Dual-Degree BA in Theater/MBA or MS in Accounting (3+1)

Accelerated Dual-Degree

BA in Theater / MBA or MS in Accounting (3+1)

On Campus

On Campus

In just 4 years, you can complete both your BA in Theater and either a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), positioning yourself to join the next generation of leaders in the arts, the entertainment industry or any business enterprise.

Two female theater students smile and act out a scene from the production of "Baltimore"

Take the lead role, onstage and behind the scenes

The Accelerated Dual-Degree BA in Theater/MBA or MSA (3+1) offers highly motivated students an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the College of Arts and Sciences and either a Master of Business Administration or Master of Science in Accounting from the School of Business in 4 years. By pairing their passion for the dramatic arts with either the MBA or MSA degree, theater students substantially increase their employability and earning power upon graduation without compromising the personal, interpersonal and intellectual growth that a liberal arts education offers.

These programs offer advantages to students who have a passion for theater and an ambition for a career in the global business landscape. The study of theater sharpens self-confidence and public speaking skills while developing empathy. Theater students engage in hands-on problem solving, take on leadership roles, and become creative thinkers with an intrinsic, “get-the-job-done” work ethic. A student who wishes to separate his or her resume from the pack while developing the above skills and earning a respected degree in business might consider this accelerated dual-degree program as a differentiator.

Both programs also are advantageous to students who wish to pursue leadership roles within the professional entertainment industry. There is a demand within the industry for skilled business leaders who can pair advanced administrative and financial skills with a core understanding of theater arts. Examples of lucrative jobs that accelerated dual-degree students would be uniquely qualified for include executive director, producer, managing director and artistic director. The MSA additionally makes graduates 150-hours ready for the national CPA exam, and places them on track for careers as production accountants, chief accounting officers and CFOs.

Both degrees in either the Accelerated Dual-Degree BA in Theater/MBA or MSA (3+1) are completed in full without compromise. Students interested in the Dual-Degree BA in Theater/MSA track are required to minor in accounting their first 3 years.

Our Reputation

Elite Program

AACSB International

Best Online MBA Programs

U.S. News & World Report

Accreditation

Our undergraduate accounting program also holds the distinction of AACSB accounting accreditation, putting it in select company. In fact, ours is one of only a few programs in the region with AACSB Accounting Accreditation, and 1 of only 2 in the state of Connecticut.

Past Theater Productions

A large cast of students sing a song and reach their hands to the sky during a theater scene — "Baltimore," a timely drama about racism on college campuses, was presented by the Quinnipiac University Theater Department in Fall 2019. Faculty members were included in the cast.

A group of student actors surround the two main characters who look frightened in a theater scene — RAGE. Book & lyrics by Elizabeth Dinkova; Original music and additional lyrics by Frederick Kennedy; Directed by Elizabeth Dinkova. February 27-March 1, 2020. Quinnipiac University Theatre Arts Center. The play with music RAGE tells the story of a writer’s decades-long struggle with his first novel, Rage, a diary of a school shooter, which “inspired” readers with deadly results. As the writer plunges back into his early work to discover the causes of teenage disenfranchisement and violence, he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the thin line between creation and destruction.

A student playing a swimmer in a play talks with his coach during a scene from Quinnipiac Theater Company — Red Speedo. By Lucas Hnath; Directed by Mariah Sage. October 10-13, 2019, Quinnipiac University Theatre Arts Center. Ray has swum his way to the eve of the Olympic trials. If the makes the team, he’ll get a deal with Speedo and he’ll never need a real job. So when someone’s stash of performance-enhancing drugs is found in the locker room fridge, threatening the entire team’s Olympic fate, Ray has to crush the rumors or risk losing everything. It's a sharp and stylish play about swimming, survival of the fittest, and the American dream of a level playing field – or of leveling the field yourself.

Two students sit side-by-side and sing a song together during a theater scene — Next to Normal. Book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, Music by Tom Kitt; Directed by Rory Pelsue. February 27-March 3, 2019, Quinnipiac University Theatre Arts Center. An unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness.

Colorful costumed actors star in a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream — A Midsummer Night's Dream. By William Shakespeare; Directed by Keely Baisden. Oct 12-21, 2018, Theatre Arts Center. Shakespeare's popular comedy of love, intrigue, magic and mayhem!

Students talk to one another and get feedback after acting out a theater scene — New Play Festival. April 14, 2018, Quinnipiac University Theatre Arts Center. Tomer Adorian, Directing Mentor with The Barrow Group, speaks with Quinnipiac theater students prior to the New Play Festival.

Two student actors in a scene where one sits on a park bench while the other kneels on the ground — Colby's Trucks. By Danielle Radeke. April 21, 2018, The Barrow Group’s Mainstage Theater, Times Square, NYC. Colby's Trucks was one of seven short plays written by Quinnipiac University students and selected to be performed in The Barrow Group’s Off-Broadway MainStage Theatre during the New Play Festival.

Two students act out a scene in a play in which a male character pleads with a female character — Little Shop of Horrors. By Alan Menken and Howard Ashman; Directed by James Noble. March 1-4, 2018, Theatre Arts Center. The smash musical become one of the most popular shows in the world. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it — blood!

A group of students act out a scene in which one character dressed in all white is surrounded by blue costumed actors — The Imaginary Invalid. By Moliere; Directed by Drew Scott. November 9-11, 2017, Quinnipiac University Theatre Arts Center. In this entertaining gem, a hypochondriac, victimized by two pompous doctors, tests his daughter's loyalty and discovers the greed and contempt of his scheming wife.

Theatre Arts Center

Exterior photo of the Theater Art Center building.

Our Theatre Arts Center is located at 515 Sherman Ave. in Hamden, just around the corner from the York Hill Campus. The facility features a state-of-the-art black box theater, scenic shop, design studios, classrooms, faculty offices, a student lounge and additional rehearsal space.

Learn more about our Theatre Arts Center and view a list of upcoming and past productions at our Quinnipiac University Theater site.

Explore Theater Opportunities

Benefits of the Accelerated Dual-Degree (3+1) Program

As a 3+1 student, you will have the flexibility to participate in experiential learning, internships and study abroad opportunities. These experiences play a large role in career development and are central to this dual-degree program. Our students have a strong support system that includes dedicated faculty and staff, alumni connections and a career development office that works to develop job preparation and interview skills.

Our accelerated dual-degree (3+1) program enables you to earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in the most efficient and economical way possible, positioning you for success in a competitive landscape. This approach to earning your degrees advances on traditional higher education models by focusing on rigorous, interdisciplinary and experiential learning.

The benefits include:

Saving time and money: You’ll complete your degrees sooner, save on tuition costs and enter the workforce at least one year earlier, with a graduate degree
Competitive career positioning: Your graduate degree will give you an advantage in a competitive landscape
Scholarships: Your scholarships are available throughout your master’s degree program
Dedicated guidance: You’ll be partnered with the director of the program within the school who will also be your academic adviser
Experiential learning: You’ll have access to special programming and networking opportunities for program students

Summer and January term courses are required to earn an accelerated dual degree. These courses are offered at no cost to students in accelerated dual-degree programs not to exceed a seven-credit limit. Any additional credits in a Summer or January term will have associated credit hour costs.

Living on Campus

Accelerated dual-degree students, like all students, are required to live on campus for their first three years of enrollment.

Learn more about living on campus

Career Paths

Our Accelerated Dual-Degree BA in Theater/MBA or MS in Accounting (3+1) program positions you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers.